Getaway driver in Morro Bay home invasion gets 9 years in prison

The getaway driver in a botched robbery that turned deadly in Morro Bay three years ago was sentenced Wednesday to nine years and four months in prison.

Joshua Coleman, who was just 19 when the crime occurred on April 8, 2009, was one of three men who planned to rob four other men inside an apartment on Seaview Avenue. During the robbery, Luke Waite and Jason Graves — both armed and donning ski masks — broke into the home, intending to take marijuana and possibly money. But during the robbery, a struggle ensued and Seth Terrazas, who had been playing poker with friends inside the home, wrestled control of a gun in Graves’ hand. During the scuffle, Terrazas fired on both intruders, killing Graves and wounding Waite.

Three victims in the home were shot, but survived. Coleman was outside the apartment in a vehicle, ready to drive the suspects from the scene.

Before the previously stipulated sentence was made official Wednesday, Coleman was offered a chance to make a statement, but he declined. Superior Court Judge Ginger Garrett told Coleman he was a young man who should make the best of opportunities available while in prison.

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“In the grand scheme of things, it’s not a long time,” she told the defendant.

Waite, who was found guilty of attempted murder, residential burglary and several other charges after a jury verdict in July, was scheduled to also be sentenced Tuesday, but his attorney asked that his sentencing be delayed so he can speak to his father, who is due to arrive from Florida soon. His sentencing was postponed to Nov. 14.